April 26

As you'll know we have been very busy preparing for the NZMCA National Rally in Cromwell which was held in the last week of March. SOOOOOOO MUCHHHHHH WORKKKKKK!
We were so insanely busy over a 10 day period that we really didn't get to appreciate what we were amongst. The feedback had been very positive with many saying it was the ' friendly ' rally and lots of others saying it was the best they'd ever been too. Our small committee has done the most amazing job. Friendly, supportive and cohesive. Will we ever do something like it again? Hell no but we're happy that we did it. It took us a good 10 days to recover and settle into a decent sleep pattern again. A bit like the worst jetlag.

There have been a few April highlights. We made our way to Kinloch with Kate to walk to the Mid Caples hut but she became quite unwell and so we had a bonus night at Kinloch Lodge. Now Kinloch is really part of our family DNA so this was no hardship for me. The owners were very generous and expressed their concern for Kate, who felt much better in the morning so we ditched most of the contents of our packs and walked for a while up the intended track. We so rarely get the chance to spend this kind of quality time with Kate, it was a very special time for us both.
We arrived back in Cromwell in time to support Daniel as he organised another very successful Dunstan Boat Marathon on the Saturday followed by the Roxburgh Gorge Marathon the following day. Another moment where we get to sit back and smile at what our boy achieves. Very proud of him.

Throughout this time we've been keeping in touch with Steve, Steph and the family as they navigate the difficult process of managing Sally's changing health needs and finding a new place for her ongoing care. They're constantly in our thoughts. We'll see Sally in a couple of weeks.❤

I've also managed to fit in a few games of Bridge which I've loved despite the up and down results. Playing online, as I do, is just not the same as being with my bridge buddies. I miss them.

Barb, Kate, Olivia and I were fortunate to get on a tour through the recently completed 8pmrefurbishment of Ernscleugh Castle, Clyde. It is absolutely inspiring to see what determination, vision, creativity and $11 million can achieve. Fabulous at every turn. I'll happily go again when they've completed the landscaping. What a place!

We've caught up with Mary and family in Balclutha. She is in good spirits and chatty but fragile. Loves us visiting but not so much leaving. ❤

ANZAC day saw us attending a service at Seaward Downs, where David's Mum grew up and some of his siblings went to school for a while. We knew lots of those attending so had a lovely catch up. We also visited the Mataura Island memorial where David's father's family are represented.

We went for a drive to Lake Waituna a couple of days ago. My first ever visit there. David took us via all the back roads that he knows so well, recounting all the families etc that once lived along the way. We took an equally circuitous route to get back to Mataura Island to spend another lovely evening with Donnah and Neville.

Our ongoing plan is to hit the road again after duck shooting. We're heading for Northland but, as always, we'll follow the good weather and the gorgeous back block places we love most. There's a list! Watch this space!Read more